Summary

Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician. Operates all general diagnostic radiographic equipment and PACs related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service. Supports Radiologists and /or other medical officers, to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by theDepartment of Education (DOE).] Credentialing Standards
• Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. §
• 7405(c)(2)(B)
• The appointing official may waiver the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Preferred Experience: BLS Preferred Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include but are not limited to the following: Receives/Interpret Exam Requests-Receives written requests or instructions for procedures
• Interprets the requests or instructions from Radiologists or medical officer
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians
• Supervision is often administrative only and employee may need to contact the Radiologist, the Ordering Physician for clarification, or to alter the order if the original order is not the most appropriate
• Receives and instructs on the occasion for very difficult assignments or examinations
• Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required, or if clarification of the request is needed
• Secures Patient Confidence/Cooperation-Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures
• Independently explains procedures, positions the patient for optimal results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate
• Varies the procedure or positions to adjust for patient medical condition, and body habitus
• Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures
• Analyzes the patient needs, determines, and select the technical factor for optimum diagnostic quality, sets the controls and operates equipment
• Performs quality control procedures as required and maintains an adequate level of supplies and safety equipment
• Operates Radiology Equipment-Operates Direct Radiography (DR) equipment and Computerized Radiography (CR) equipment
• Performs monthly as needed calibrations for the equipment along with running reports such as repeat analysis and patient tracking
• Inputs CPT codes and update procedures on the equipment as needed
• Performs all routine and specialized radiographic examinations of head, spine, trunk, G.I
• track, urological system, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries
• Maintains Supplies, Performs Minor Maintenance-Maintains supplies needed to perform all examinations in the assigned room or area
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and the area after each use and in preparation of the next procedure to be performed
• Performs required routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair
• Performs minor maintenance on equipment, and cleans equipment as needed
• Cleans, makes minor repairs and adjustments to X-ray equipment and exam accessories
• Performs picture archival duties-The technologist captures direct radiographic (DR) and computerized radiographs (CR), applies and algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system (PACS)
• This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge to computer operations
• Correct image manipulation and transmission of correct patient information and images is critical in DR CR and PACS
• Lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph
• Incorrect patient images, or patient information must be reported to the Supervisor, and the Technologist must fill out a patient misarchived form for documentation of the correction
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized